The 10 Worst Dressed Guests At The US Presidential Swearing-In Ceremony

Presidential inaugurations are supposed to be about oaths, order, and the peaceful transfer of power. And yet, every four years (sometimes more, depending on history’s mood),
America also stages a second tradition: the unofficial runway review, conducted by millions of viewers armed with hot takes, screenshots, and the kind of confidence usually reserved for
people who have never tried to zip a coat in a wind tunnel.

Bored Panda’s roundup of the “worst dressed” (read: most criticized and most controversial) guests at the U.S. presidential swearing-in ceremony captures exactly why inauguration
fashion becomes a national side plot. The stakes are weirdly high. The photos are forever. And the settingmarble columns, flags, history, and security linesdoes not forgive outfits
that look like they came from a totally different movie.

This article breaks down the 10 most talked-about looks from the 2025 inauguration cycle and related events (including the balls), explains why people reacted the way they did,
and pulls out a few style lessons you can use for any high-attention, high-formality moment. We’ll keep it fun, keep it fair, and focus on clothing choicesnot bodies, not personal attacks,
and definitely not your aunt’s Facebook comments section.

Why inauguration outfits get judged so hard

There’s no “official” dress code, but there is an unwritten one

For the public, the swearing-in ceremony doesn’t come with a single universal “wear this” rule. But culturally, it carries an expectation of respect and restraint: classic silhouettes,
polished outerwear, conservative tailoring, and weather-smart layers. In 2025, that “weather-smart” part mattered even more because extreme cold forced major changes to how the ceremony
was staged, with many moments happening indoors and televised to a massive audience.

TV turns every lapel into a headline

In-person, an outfit can read “fine.” On camera, it can read “why is that collar doing that?” Also: lighting is brutal, telephoto lenses are honest, and a single awkward angle can
create a meme that outlives entire policy debates. That’s why inauguration looks are less like “what’s fashionable?” and more like “what message does this send?”

Two different worlds: daytime ceremony vs. nighttime balls

The swearing-in is daytime formalitycoats, suits, gloves, hats. The official balls are typically black-tie territory, where glamour is expected and experimentation is safer.
The problem starts when a look feels “ball-ready” at noon, or “brunch casual” in a room full of history and high protocol.

The 10 most criticized looks (and why they sparked debate)

The point here isn’t to dunk on people for sport. It’s to understand the style logic behind why certain outfits sparked backlashespecially in a setting where symbolism and decorum
get amplified. Consider this more “fashion case study” than “fashion firing squad.”

#1 John Fetterman: The “gym-to-government” uniform

One of the most debated looks came from Senator John Fetterman, who arrived in a hoodie, shorts, and sneakers. Critics saw it as disrespectful for a ceremonial event; supporters argued
it was consistent with his established personal style and “regular guy” branding.

Why it got heat: The inauguration is full of visual cues meant to signal stability and seriousness. Athletic basics can read as “I didn’t try,” even if the wearer is
making a deliberate statement.

Style lesson: In ultra-formal contexts, “authentic” still benefits from a sharper version of itselfthink tailored knitwear or a structured coat over the casual base.

#2 Lauren Sánchez: The lingerie layer that stole the frame

Lauren Sánchez drew intense attention for a winter-white suit moment that included a blazer worn over visible lace lingerie. Fashion-wise, “peekaboo bra layering” is a real trend.
Context-wise, the inauguration ceremony is where many people expect more restraint.

Why it got heat: The look read “night out” to many viewersespecially because the camera environment and the surrounding conservative tailoring turned the lingerie detail
into the focal point.

Style lesson: If your outfit contains a built-in headline (lingerie, extreme cutouts, or anything described as “daring”), assume it will become the storywhether you
want it to or not.

#3 Kamala Harris: The “too simple for the moment” critique

Former Vice President Kamala Harris kept things monochromatic and minimal with a dark, collared coat and clean lines. Some viewers appreciated the simplicity; others felt it read as
too plain for a historic, high-visibility ceremony.

Why it got heat: Inauguration fashion is often interpreted like a speech: people look for symbolism, color messaging, or a standout accessory. A restrained look can be
judged as “forgettable,” even when it’s intentionally sober.

Style lesson: Minimalism plays best when it looks unmistakably intentionalperfect fit, strong fabric, and one detail that says “this is the point,” like a brooch,
gloves, or a signature neckline.

#4 Usha Vance: The pastel coat that triggered bigger conversations

Usha Vance wore a pale pink coat that many outlets noted as an Oscar de la Renta piece. It was elegant, but it became controversial in some corners because inauguration fashion often
drags designers into the political spotlightespecially when a brand is perceived as “taking sides.”

Why it got heat: The reaction wasn’t only about the coat. It was also about designer associations, the symbolism people project onto labels, and how social media treats
fashion houses like political actors.

Style lesson: At politically charged events, even “safe” clothing can become a statement. If you want to avoid controversy, choose classic pieces with fewer brand-signature
tells and keep the look quiet, cohesive, and camera-proof.

#5 Ivanka Trump: A hat-and-suit combo that split opinions

Ivanka Trump appeared in an emerald skirt suit paired with a coordinated hat, a polished throwback to old-school inauguration styling. Some viewers praised the structure and color; others
found the look overly styled, stiff, or costume-adjacent.

Why it got heat: Matching hat-and-suit looks are inherently “big.” When done well, they read timeless. When they miss for a viewer, they can read like cosplay of an era.

Style lesson: If you go vintage-coded, commit to impeccable tailoring and modern restraint. One historical reference is chic; five at once is a theme party.

#6 Melania Trump: The hat that became its own character

Melania Trump wore a dark coat dress and a wide-brim hat that instantly dominated the visual narrative. The styling was dramatic, structured, and camera-forwardso much so that the hat
itself became part of the public conversation (including the logistics and last-minute scramble that reportedly surrounded its creation and delivery).

Why it got heat: Wide brims are theatrical. They can also block faces, change interactions, and create “did that just happen?” moments on live TV.

Style lesson: Statement accessories are powerfulbut in high-protocol settings, test them for movement, sightlines, and real-life functionality. If it needs choreography,
it’s not just an accessory anymore.

#7 Miriam Adelson: Sunglasses indoors and a “Sgt. Pepper” vibe

Miriam Adelson’s light-colored coat and round sunglasses sparked plenty of commentary, with critics comparing the vibe to a stylized, retro look. In a setting where most people were
in classic tailoring, the sunglasses amplified the sense that the outfit wasn’t “reading the room.”

Why it got heat: Sunglasses (especially indoors) are a fashion power move, but they can also look out of place in ceremonial spaceswhere eye contact and formality are
part of the performance.

Style lesson: When everyone else is playing “classic,” your most unusual element becomes the headline. If you want the outfit to feel formal, pick one unconventional
piecenot several.

#8 Lara Trump: The red gown that fought gravity at the Liberty Ball

At the Liberty Ball, Lara Trump wore a strapless red gown paired with sparkling heels. The controversy wasn’t about “too glamorous” (balls are supposed to be glamorous). It was about
proportion and drapesome viewers felt the side detailing looked awkward in motion and in photos.

Why it got heat: Strapless gowns demand excellent structure. When the bodice or side draping reads unstable, the look can feel uncomfortable just to watch.

Style lesson: Ball gowns should be tested in motion: sitting, dancing, turning, hugging. If it only looks good standing still, it’s not a gownit’s a mannequin cover.

#9 Sarah Huckabee Sanders: The magenta coat that divided the color voters

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wore a bold magenta coat with a tie waist. Many liked the strong color; others criticized the shape, fit, and collar styling, arguing it felt
bulky or ill-proportioned for the cameras.

Why it got heat: Saturated color is memorable, but it also magnifies fit issues. If the silhouette isn’t crisp, bright fabric can make it look louder and larger.

Style lesson: If you choose a statement color, keep the cut clean. Bright + bulky is a risky combo in HD.

#10 Kellyanne Conway: The return of “Trump Revolutionary Wear”

Kellyanne Conway revisited her famously discussed red-white-and-blue Gucci coat and red tightsan outfit she previously described as “Trump revolutionary wear.” The choice to repeat the
look years later made it instantly meme-able again.

Why it got heat: Patriotic fashion is a tightrope. Done subtly, it’s classic. Done loudly, it can read like brandingespecially when it’s already famous for being
polarizing.

Style lesson: If an outfit already has a reputation, wearing it again isn’t “neutral.” It’s a rerunand the internet never watches reruns quietly.

What “worst dressed” really means at an inauguration

In most places, “worst dressed” means the outfit didn’t flatter, didn’t fit, or didn’t match the vibe. At an inauguration, it can also mean:
it didn’t match the room’s symbolism, it looked careless on camera, or it distracted from the event.
The criticism often says as much about cultural expectations as it does about the garment itself.

In other words: people aren’t only judging your coat. They’re judging your perceived respect for tradition, your relationship to power, and whether you understand the visual language of
an extremely staged civic moment.

How to dress for a swearing-in-level event without becoming a meme

• Anchor the look with structure. A well-fitted coat, suit, or dress reads “prepared,” even if you add personality elsewhere.
• Pick one statement. Hat or bold color or dramatic neckline. Stacking statements multiplies risk.
• Plan for the environment. Ceremonies mean standing, walking, security lines, and unpredictable temperaturesdress like you’ll be photographed doing all of it.
• Respect the camera. Test your outfit under bright light. Check movement. Confirm nothing shifts, gapes, or wrinkles into chaos.
• Let the event lead. The closer you are to the focal point of history, the less your outfit should compete with it.

Experiences and takeaways: what “high-stakes dressing” feels like in real life (about )

Most of us will never attend a presidential swearing-in ceremony, but the emotional experience behind these style choices is surprisingly relatable. Think about the last time you had to
dress for something where photos were guaranteed: a wedding, a graduation, a corporate event, a major presentation, a family gathering where your relative swears they “won’t post anything”
(and then posts everything). The outfit stops being just fabric and turns into a decision you can’t un-decide.

High-stakes dressing starts early, usually with optimism and ends with someone whispering, “Do we have time to steam this?” You learn fast that formal events aren’t a single moment
they’re a sequence of moments. There’s the arrival (where you’re walking and greeting people), the waiting (where coats, handbags, and posture suddenly matter), the sitting (where your
outfit must fold without fighting you), and the standing (where you’re on display again). Add cold weather, security checks, and long stretches without a mirror, and you begin to
understand why even well-planned looks can go sideways.

That’s also why “inappropriate” is such a slippery label. Something that feels perfectly stylish at a dinner can feel loud at a ceremony. Something that looks elegant in a fitting room
can feel stiff under bright lights. And something that reads “creative” to one person can read “attention-seeking” to anotherespecially when the audience is massive and the moment is
politically charged. At inaugurations, those dynamics are dialed up. The venue is historic. The visuals are symbolic. The audience is not just your peersit’s the entire internet.

The most useful takeaway from these viral inauguration outfits isn’t “never take risks.” It’s “match the risk to the room.” A strapless gown at a black-tie ball is normal; the same
energy at a daytime ceremony can feel jarring. A bold color can be memorable and confident; the same color in a bulky shape can look overwhelming in photos. A statement hat can be
iconic; a statement hat that interferes with movement becomes the story. None of that makes the wearer a villain. It just means the event is doing what events do: creating a context
that changes how clothing is read.

If you’ve ever looked back at photos and thought, “Why did I wear that?” congratulationsyou’ve had a very human moment. The difference at an inauguration is that the photo isn’t just
going into your camera roll; it’s going into public memory. And once the internet names your look (Paddington comparisons and all), the nickname sticks harder than any lint roller.
The best defense is preparation: fit, function, and one clear intention. Dress like you’re part of the moment, not competing with it.

Conclusion

Bored Panda’s list is entertaining because it’s honest about what everyone does during major televised ceremonies: we watch, we interpret, and we project meaning onto seams and silhouettes.
But the deeper story is less about “worst dressed” and more about the invisible rules of public-stage dressingrules that shift with setting, tradition, weather, and the camera.

If there’s a final style moral here, it’s simple: at a swearing-in ceremony, your outfit is never just an outfit. It’s a message. So if you’re going to send one, make sure it’s the
message you actually meant to send.